Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc and degenerative arthritis is remanded. The claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of radiculopathies of the lower extremities are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his carpal tunnel syndrome, right wrist; chronic lumbar strain; and left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with chronic lumbar strain are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's lower left extremity radiculopathy associated with his lumbar disability is now rated at 20 percent after April 20, 2016. His degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of a lumbar condition as secondary to post-operative residuals, total right knee replacement. The Veteran was granted entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of schizoaffective disorder, but reopened the claim for lumbar spine disability. The issue of competency to manage VA funds was also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and requests for updated VA treatment records, a new VA examination, and further clarification of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a neck disability, and to that extent only, the claim is granted. The issues of service connection for back disability, headaches, missing teeth 7 to 10 and 23 to 26, and sinusitis are remanded.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are rated at 30 percent, and service connection for a psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety and depression) is granted. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, lumbar DDD, cervical DDD, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right eye vision loss are denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for GERD and a lumbar spine disability are dismissed. The Veteran's appeal for TDIU beginning November 5, 2010 is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee, left knee, and lumbar spine disorders. The decision is based on the evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a new medical opinion and reviewing all submitted evidence. The Veteran's claim of service connection for his low back disability is also being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's back, left leg, and right leg disabilities are related to service.

The Board denied an extraschedular rating for a left shoulder disability and TDIU on an extraschedular basis. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to follow and maintain a substantially-gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records that need to be obtained before a decision can be made on the service connection claim for bulging discs, L5-S1, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease (DDD).

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding low back disability and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD). The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service. Service connection for low back disability and PTSD are remanded due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not granted in full, with some issues being remanded for further development and others remaining denied.

The Veteran's claims for SMC based on need for aid and attendance of another person, housebound status, special home adaptation or specially adapted housing, and automobile adaptive equipment are remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary for further examination and opinion regarding the service connection of lumbar spine disorder and cervical spine disorder, as well as whether these conditions are secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable from June 16, 2011 until January 23, 2012. The Board granted a TDIU for this period as his combined disability rating was at least 70 percent.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective as of the date of this decision. The right foot condition and left foot injury are remanded for further review, and the cognitive disorder remains service-connected with no change in rating.